Kara A. Bernstein, PhD

Associate Professor

Contact

Education

PhD in Genetics, Yale University

Research Summary

Repair of DNA damage is crucial to prevent accumulation of mutations that can cause genomic instability, aging, and cancer. Our lab studies how double-strand breaks in the DNA, one of the most lethal types of DNA lesions, are repaired. By understanding the mechanism of double-strand break repair and the role of DNA repair proteins in this process, we will uncover mechanisms of tumorigenesis and cancer progression. We will then use this knowledge to aid in diagnosis/prognosis of different types of cancers to find novel therapeutic targets for these patients.

Dr. Bernstein conducts her research at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.